down on one's luck

Idioms  

1. Afflicted by misfortune, as in They've been down on their luck ever since they moved out West. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

To be down on one’s luck already exacts a heavy price in security, social standing and peace of mind; regarding him as your equal in simple dignity and humanity is your best chance not to add another emotional cost to his bill.

From Washington Post

Of course, this movie’s version of being down on one’s luck is a little different than in the rest of the world.

From Washington Times

Luck′y-bag, a receptacle for lost property on board a man-of-war.—Be down on one's luck, to be unfortunate.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll bet there's any amount of men bless them—as I did—when down on one's luck.

From Project Gutenberg

"Everybody gets blue spells—when one is down on one's luck."

From Project Gutenberg